The Enlightened Leader: An Introduction to the Chakras of Leadership

The stark cases of ‘endarkened’ leadership that we have seen in recent years force us to think of fundamental change. But these are merely the alarm bells. It is time now to pay attention to the causes, the underlying assumptions that have for so long remained unquestioned - and to a working alternative. The search is on for a type of leadership that incorporates not just material values, but human values as well. A type of leadership that goes beyond exploitation and personal greed, and that we may justly call ‘enlightened’.

What would this leadership look like? How is it cultivated – in self and in others? And how do you make it work? In The Enlightened Leader corporate culture consultants Peter ten Hoopen and Fons Trompenaaars, whose work for global organisations gives them unique insights into leadership across all cultures, take the scalpel to some deeply engrained, but nefarious management theory, and show the way to healing, opening fresh fields of ambition, new degrees of passion and creativity.

To promote the needed awareness, the authors introduce ‘The Chakras of Leadership’, a model of leadership that differentiates seven levels of human energy use. Inspired by Yoga philosophy, it serves a prism that makes us look at leadership from seven distinct perspectives. The companion Chakra Test at www.chakratest.org profiles the extent to which the seven aspects of leadership are developed, whether positively or negatively. The visualisations give a nuanced overview of one’s internal energy economy. The ideal is full spectrum energy expenditure, with all levels in harmony, and positive direction.

The authors’ wealth of stories, sharp wit, and self-deprecating humour make The Enlightened Leader a challenging and inspiring read that has the capacity to be life changing.

A synthesis of the best western thinking about human motivation and eastern wisdom teachings, The Enlightened Leader is a profound exploration of the meaning of leadership. Anyone who is concerned with the deep roots of success in business will benefit from reading this pioneering book.

John Gray, Emeritus Professor, London School of Economics

This book will certainly not convince everyone, nor should it, but it is a point of view worth to consider. It makes you think.

Ben Verwaayen, CEO Alcatel-Lucent

Rarely do the worlds of business and spirituality come together. In this book, they blend wonderfully. The authors don’t pretend to have all the answers but challenge you as a reader to seek your own. This is serious stuff AND it is sometimes hilarious to read. If you ever want to read a management book in bed, here is one.

The Enlightened Leader is probably the most important book on leadership of the year. A must read for everyone keen on sustainability and respect for humanity. A book that posits man as the end, not the means, informed by the consciousness that we are all intimately connected.

Albert de Booij, Founder and CEO Speakers Academy

Our world needs and deserves sustainable leadership. This means changing business concepts, attitudes and leadership behaviour. I recommend The Enlightened Leader for both (future) leaders and teaching professionals.

Ivo Matser, CEO TSM Business School

The time has come for humanity to make its mark. A time for people to be authentic and aspire to achieve their highest nature. A time for leaders, especially, to create the right environment and energy for this to happen and multiply. Thank you, to Peter and Fons, for this most important work at this most important time. This is a MUST read for all ready to embrace and support a changed and improved world.

Sandra Macleod, Group Chief Executive, Echo Research

We have long thought that models and concepts of leadership can only be based on the ideas of the (European) Age of Enlightenment. Peter ten Hoopen and Fons Trompenars show us older sources of inspiration and consciousness that really shed light on the essence of leadership.

Wessel Ganzevoort, Professor Organisational Dynamics and Innovation, University of Amsterdam

This book is a wonderful guide for transformational leadership, wherein leaders and led transform each other and which instils a form of change that engages peoples' enduring needs. At last we encounter writers bold enough to address the ideal of enlightenment, an all-encompassing wisdom growing out of lives carefully examined.

Charles Hampden-Turner, Author and Senior Research Associate at the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge